Audio and video transmission and receiving system

ABSTRACT

A system of distributing video and/or audio information employs digital signal processing to achieve high rates of data compression. The compressed and encoded audio and/or video information is sent over standard telephone, cable or satellite broadcast channels to a receiver specified by a subscriber of the service, preferably in less than real time, for later playback and optional recording on standard audio and/or video tape.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates generally to an audio and videotransmission and receiving system, and more specifically to such asystem in which the user controls the access and the playback operationsof selected material.

[0002] At the present time, only a video cassette recorder (VCR) or alaser disk player (LDP) allow a viewer to enjoy control over selectionof particular audio/video material. Using either a VCR or an LDPrequires the viewer to obtain a video tape either by rental or bypurchase. Remote accessing of the material has not yet been integratedinto an efficient system.

[0003] Several designs have been developed which provide the viewer withmore convenient means of accessing material. One such design isdisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,506,387, issued to Walter. The Walterpatent discloses a fully dedicated, multi-conductor, optical cablesystem that is wired to the viewer's premises. While the system affordsthe viewer some control over accessing the material, it requires that alocation designated by the viewer be wired with a dedicated cable. TheWalter system further requires the viewer be at that location for bothordering and viewing the audio/video material.

[0004] U.S. Pat. No. 4,890,320, issued to Monslow, describes a systemwhich broadcasts viewer selected material to a viewer at a prescribedtime. This system is limited in that it requires multiple viewers inmultiple locations to view the audio/video material at the time it isbroadcast, rather than allowing each viewer to choose his or her ownviewing time. The system disclosed in Monslow also does not allow forthe stop, pause, and multiple viewing functions of existing VCRtechnology.

[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 4,590,516, issued to Abraham, discloses a systemthat uses a dedicated signal path, rather than multiple common carriers,to transmit audio/video programming. The receiver has no storagecapability. The system provides for only display functions, which limitsviewing to the time at which the material is ordered. Like Monslow, theAbraham system does not allow for the stop, pause, and multiple viewingfunctions of existing VCR technology.

[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 4,963,995, issued to Lang, discloses an audio/videotransceiver with the capability of editing and/or copying from one videotape to another using only a single tape deck. Lang does not disclose asystem with one or more libraries wherein a plurality of systemsubscribers may access information stored in the film and tape libraryor libraries, and play back the selected information at a time and placeselected by the subscriber.

[0007] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide auser with the capability of accessing audio/video material byintegrating both accessing and playback controls into a system that canuse multiple existing communications channels.

[0008] It is a further object of the present invention to provide apicture and sound transmission system which allows the user to remotelyselect audio/video material from any location that has either telephoneservice or a computer.

[0009] A still further object of the present invention is to provide apicture and sound transmission system wherein the selected audio/videomaterial is sent over any one of several existing communication channelsin a fraction of real time to any location chosen by the user that has aspecified receiver.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide a pictureand sound transmission system wherein the user may play back theselected audio/video material at any time selected by the user andretain a copy of the audio/video material for multiple playbacks in thefuture.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to provide a pictureand sound transmission system wherein the information requested by theuser may be sent as only audio information, only video information, oras a combination of audio and video information.

[0012] Additional objects and advantages of the invention will be setforth in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious fromthe description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Theobjects and advantages of the invention may be realized and obtained bymeans of the instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed outin the appended claims.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] To achieve the objects in accordance with the purposes of thepresent invention, as embodied and described herein, the transmissionand receiving system for providing information to remote locationscomprises source material library means prior to identification andcompression; identification encoding means for retrieving theinformation for the items from the source material library means and forassigning a unique identification code to the retrieved information;conversion means, coupled to identification encoding means, for placingthe retrieved information into a predetermined format as formatted data;ordering means, coupled to the conversion means, for placing theformatted data into a sequence of addressable data blocks; compressionmeans, coupled to the ordering means, for compressing the formatted andsequenced data; compressed data storing means, coupled to thecompression means, for storing as a file the compressed sequenced datareceived from the compression means with the unique identification codeassigned by the identification encoding means; and transmitter means,coupled to the compressed data storing means, for sending at least aportion of a specific file to a specific one of the remote locations.

[0014] The present invention further comprises a distribution methodresponsive to requests identifying information to be sent from atransmission system to a remote location, the method comprising thesteps of storing audio and video information in a compressed data form;requesting transmission, by a user, of at least a part of the storedcompressed information to the remote location; sending at least aportion of the stored compressed information to the remote location;receiving the sent information at the remote location; buffering theprocessed information at the remote location; and playing back thebuffered information in real time at a time requested by the user.

[0015] Additionally, the present invention comprises-a receiving systemresponsive to a user input identifying a choice of an item stored in asource material library to be played back to the subscriber at alocation remote from the source material library, the item containinginformation to be sent from a transmitter to the receiving system, andwherein the receiving system comprises transceiver means forautomatically receiving the requested information from the transmitteras compressed formatted data blocks; receiver format conversion means,coupled to the transceiver means, for converting the compressedformatted data blocks into a format suitable for storage and processingresulting in playback in real time; storage means, coupled to thereceiver format conversion means, for holding the compressed formatteddata; decompressing means, coupled to the receiver format conversionmeans, for decompressing the compressed formatted information; andoutput data conversion means, coupled to the decompressing means, forplaying back the decompressed information in real time at a timespecified by the user.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in andconstitute a part of the specification, illustrate the presentlypreferred apparatus and method of the invention and, together with thegeneral description given above and the detailed description of thepreferred embodiment given below serve to explain the principles of theinvention. In the drawings:

[0017]FIGS. 1a-1 g are high level block diagrams showing differentconfigurations of the transmission and receiving system of the presentinvention;

[0018]FIGS. 2a and 2 b are detailed block diagrams of preferredimplementations of the transmission system of the present invention;

[0019]FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a preferred method of ordering aselection from a library in accordance with the present invention;

[0020]FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a preferred method of user request via auser interface of the present invention;

[0021]FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a preferred method of implementing aqueue manager program of the present invention;

[0022]FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a preferred implementation of thereceiving system of the present invention;

[0023]FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a preferred method of distribution of thepresent invention; and

[0024]FIGS. 8a-8 e are block diagrams of preferred implementations ofdata structures and data blocking for items in the audio and videodistribution system of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0025]FIGS. 1a-1 g are high level block diagrams showing differentconfigurations of the transmission and receiving system of the presentinvention. FIGS. 1a, 1 b, 1 d, 1 e, 1 f, and 1 g each show transmissionsystem 100, described in more detail below with respect to FIGS. 2a and2 b. A user of the transmission and receiving system of the presentinvention preferably accesses transmission system 100 by calling a phonenumber or by typing commands into a computer. The user then choosesaudio and/or video material from a list of available items which he orshe wants to listen to and/or watch.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 1a, the transmission and receiving system maypreferably comprise a peer to peer configuration where one transmissionsystem 100 communicates with one reception system 200. As shown in FIG.1b, the transmission and receiving system of the present invention mayalternatively comprise a plurality of reception systems 200, 200′, 200″,and 200′″, which are each associated with a single transmission system100.

[0027]FIG. 1c shows a high level block diagram of the transmission andreceiving system of the present invention including remote orderprocessing and item database 300, described in more detail with respectto FIG. 3. Remote order processing and item database 300 preferablyenables users to access desired items by remote communication. Theremote order processing and item database 300 may communicate with aplurality of transmission systems 100, 100′, 100″, and 100′″, each ofwhich communicates with a respective set of reception systems 200, 200′,200″, and 200′″. Each of the reception systems in sets 200, 200′, 200″,and 200′″ may preferably communicate with a plurality of users.

[0028]FIG. 1d shows a high level block diagram of the transmission andreceiving system of the present invention including a transmissionsystem 100 distributing to a plurality of users via a reception system200 configured as a cable television system.

[0029]FIG. 1e shows a high level block diagram of the transmission andreceiving system of the present invention including a transmissionsystem 100 distributing to a plurality reception systems 200 and 200′.In the configuration shown in FIG. 1e, reception system 200 is a directconnection system wherein a user is directly connected to transmissionsystem 100. Reception system 200′ preferably includes a first cabletelevision system 200 a and a second cable television system 200 b.Users of cable television systema 200 a and 200 b are indirectlyconnected to transmission system 100

[0030]FIG. 1f shows a high level block diagram of the transmission andreceiving system of the present invention including transmission system100 distributing via several channels to reception systems 200 and 200′.Reception system 200 is preferably non-buffering. In such a system,users are directly connected to transmission system 100, as in receptionsystem 200 in FIG. 1e.

[0031] Reception system 200′ shown in FIG. 1f is a cable televisionsystem, as shown in reception system 200′ of FIG. 1e. In FIG. 1f, thereception system 200′ is preferably buffering, which means that usersmay receive requested material at a delayed time. The material isbuffered in intermediate storage device 200 c in reception system 200′.

[0032] In the configuration of FIG. 1f, decompression of the requestedmaterial may preferably occur at the head end of a cable televisionreception system 200′. Thus, distribution may be provided to users viastandard television encoding methods downstream of the head end of thecable distribution system. This method is preferred for users who onlyhave cable television decoders and standard television receivers.

[0033]FIG. 1g shows a high level block diagram of the transmission andreceiving system of the present invention including transmission system100 distributing to a reception system 200, which then preferablytransmits requested material over airwave communication channels 200 d,to a plurality of users. The transmission and receiving system shown inFIG. 1g may preferably transmit either compressed or uncompressed data,depending on the requirements and existing equipment of the user. Theairwave transmission and receiving system shown in FIG. 1g maypreferably employ either VHF, UHF or satellite broadcasting systems.

[0034] With respect to the transmission and receiving systems set forthin FIGS. 1a-1 g, the requested material may be fully compressed andencoded, partly decompressed at some stage in transmission system 100,or fully decompressed prior to transmission. The reception systems 200may either buffer the requested material for later viewing, ordecompress in real time the requested material as it is distributed bytransmission system 100. Alternatively, the reception systems 200 of thepresent invention may perform a combination of buffering andnon-buffering by buffering some of the requested material anddecompressing the remainder of the requested material for immediateviewing as it is distributed by transmission system 100.

[0035] In direct connection configurations, such as reception systems200 shown in FIGS. 1e and 1 f, the user preferably selects the receptionsystem 200 to which the requested material is sent, and optionallyselects the time playback of the requested material is desired.Accordingly, the user may remotely access the transmission system 100from a location different than the location of reception system 200where the material will be sent and/or played back. Thus, for example, auser may preferably call transmission system 100 from work and send amovie to their house to be played back after dinner or at any later timeof their choosing.

[0036] In non-direct connection reception systems such as shown inreception system 200′ of FIG. 1f, intermediate storage device 200 c maypreferably include, for example, sixteen hours of random access internalaudio and video storage. A reception system with such storage is capableof storing several requested items future playback. The user could thenview and/or record a copy of the decompressed requested material in realtime, or compressed in non-real time, at a time of their choosing.Accordingly, the user would not have to make a trip to the store topurchase or rent the, requested material.

[0037] In any of the transmission and receiving systems illustrated inFIGS. 1a-1 g, the requested material may be copy protected. To achievecopy protection, the requested material, as an item, is encoded as copyprotected during storage encoding in transmission system 100. The usermay then play back the item only one time. The user may also optionallyreview select portions of the item prior to its automatic erasure fromthe memory of the reception system 200. In this way, requested materialmay be distributed to “view only” users and also to “view and copy”users who wish to retain copies of the distributed items.

[0038] Copy protected programs, when decompressed and played back, wouldhave a copy protection technique applied to the analog and digitaloutput signals. The analog video output is protected from copyingthrough the use of irregular sync signals, which makes the signalviewable on a standard television but not recordable on a audio/videorecorder. Digital output protection is effected through copy protect bitsettings in the digital output signal, thus preventing a compatibledigital recorder from recording the digital audio and/or video signalstream. A protected item will not be passed to the compressed data portof the digital recorder for off line storage.

[0039]FIGS. 2a and 2 b illustrate detailed block diagrams of preferredimplementations of the transmission system 100 of the present invention.Transmission system 100 may either be located in one facility or may bespread over a plurality of facilities. A preferred embodiment oftransmission system 100 may preferably include only some of the elementsshown in FIGS. 2a and 2 b.

[0040] Transmission system 100 of a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention preferably includes source material library means fortemporary storage of items prior to conversion and storage in acompressed data library means. The items of information may includeanalog and digital audio and video information as well as physicalobjects such as books and records which require conversion to acompatible media type before converting, compressing and storing theiraudio and-video data in the compressed data library means.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 2a, the source material library means includedin transmission system 100 preferably includes a source material library111. The source material library 111 may include different types ofmaterials including television programs, movies, audio recordings, stillpictures, files, books, computer tapes, computer disks, documents ofvarious sorts, musical instruments, and other physical objects. Thesematerials are converted to or recorded on a media format compatible tothe digital and analog inputs of the system prior to being compressedand stored in a compressed data library 118. The different media formatspreferably include digital or analog audio and video tapes, laser disks,film images, optical disks, magnetic disks, computer tapes, disks and,cartridges.

[0042] The source material library 111, according to a preferredembodiment of the present invention, may preferably include a singlesource material library or a plurality of source material libraries. Ifthere are a plurality of source material libraries, they may begeographically located close together or may be located far apart. Theplurality of source material libraries may communicate using methods andchannels similar to the methods and channel types which libraries mayemploy for communication with the receiving system 200 of the user, orthe source material libraries may communicated via any available method.

[0043] Prior to being made accessible to a user of the transmission andreceiving system of the present invention, the item must be stored in atleast one compressed data library 118, and given a unique identificationcode by identification encoder 112. Storage encoding, performed byidentification encoder 112, aside form giving the item a uniqueidentification code, optionally involves logging details about the item,called program notes, and assigning the item a popularity code. Storageencoding may be performed just prior to conversion of the item fortransmission to reception system 200, at any time after starting theconversion process, or after storing the item in the compressed datalibrary 118.

[0044] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the method ofencoding the information involves assigning a unique identification codeand a file address to the item, assigning a popularity code, andinputting the program notes. This process is identical for the any ofdifferent media types stored in the source material library 111.

[0045] The transmission system 100 of the present invention alsopreferably includes conversion means 113 for placing the items fromsource material library 111 into a predetermined format as formatteddata. In the preferred embodiment, after identification, encoding isperformed by identification encoder 112, the retrieved information isplaced into a predetermined format as formatted data by the converter113. The items stored in source material library 111 and encoded byidentification encoder 112 may be in either analog or digital form.Converter 113 therefore includes analog input receiver 127 and digitalinput receiver 124. If items have only one format, only one type ofinput receiver 124 or 127 is necessary.

[0046] When the information from identification encoder 112 is digital,the digital signal is input to the digital input receiver 124 where itis converted to a proper voltage. A formatter 125 sets the correct bitrates and encodes into least significant bit (lsb) first pulse codemodulated (pcm) data. Formatter 125 includes digital audio formatter 125a and digital video formatter 125 b. The digital audio information isinput into a digital audio formatter 125 a and the digital videoinformation, if any, is input into digital video formatter 125 b.Formatter 125 outputs the data in a predetermined format.

[0047] When the retrieved information from identification encoder 112 isanalog, the information is input to an analog-to-digital converter 123to convert the analog data of the retrieved information into a series ofdigital data bytes. Converter 123 preferably forms the digital databytes into the same format as the output of formatter 125.

[0048] Converter 123 preferably includes an analog audio converter 123 aand an analog video converter 123 b. The analog audio converter 123 apreferably converts the retrieved audio signal into pcm data samples ata fixed sampling rate. The analog video converter 123 b preferablyconverts the analog video information, retrieved from identificationencoder 123, into pcm data also at fixed sampling rates.

[0049] If the retrieved information being converted contains only audioinformation, then the audio signal is fed to the appropriate digitalaudio input or analog audio input. When the retrieved informationcontains both audio and video information, the audio and video signalsare passed simultaneously to the audio and video converter inputs.Synchronization between the audio and video data can be maintained inthis way.

[0050] If, for example, the retrieved information to be converted fromthe source material library 111 is a motion picture film, the pictureframes in the film are passed through a digital telecine device to thedigital input receiver 124. Format conversion is then preferablyperformed by digital video formatter 125 b. Accompanying audioinformation is passed through an optical or magnetic digital playbackdevice. This device is connected to digital audio formatter 125 a.

[0051] In some cases, such inter-library transfers, incoming materialsmay be in a previously compressed form so that there is no need toperform compression by precompression processor 115 and compressors 128and 129. In such a case, retrieved items are passed directly fromidentification encoder 112 to the compressed data formatter 117. Theitem database records, such as the program notes may also be input fromanother system, to the compressed data formatting section 117, wherethis data, if necessary, is reformatted to make it compatible with thematerial stored in compressed data library 118. Such material may bereceived in the form of digital tapes or via existing communicationchannels and may preferably input directly to a short term storage 117′in the compressed data formatting section 117.

[0052] The transmission system 100 of the present invention alsopreferably includes ordering means for placing the formatted informationinto a sequence of addressable data blocks. As shown in FIG. 2a, theordering means in the preferred embodiment includes time encoder 114.After the retrieved information converted and formatted by the converter113, the information may be time encoded by the time encoder 114. Timeencoder 114 places the blocks of converted formatted information fromconverter 113 into a group of addressable blocks. The preferredaddressing scheme employs time encoding. Time encoding allowsrealignment of the audio and video information in the compressed dataformatting section 117 after separate audio and video compressionprocessing by precompression processor 115 and compressor 116.

[0053] The converted formatted information of the requested material isthen preferably in the form of a series of digital data bytes whichrepresent frames of video data and samples of the audio data. Apreferred relationship of the audio and video bytes to each other isshown in FIG. 8. Incoming signals are input and converted in sequence,starting with the first and ending with the last frame of the videodata, and starting with the first and ending with the last sample of theaudio data. Time encoding by time encoder 114 is achieved by assigningrelative time markers to the audio and video data as it passes from theconverter 113 through the time encoder 114 to the precompressionprocessor 115. Realignment of audio and video data, system addressing ofparticular data bytes, and user addressing of particular portions ofitems are all made possible through time encoding.

[0054] Through the use of the address of an item and its frame number itis possible to address any particular block of audio or video datadesired. From here, further addressing down to the individual byte ispossible. Frames and groups of frames may preferably be further brokendown, as necessary to the individual bytes and bits, as required forcertain processing within the system.

[0055] User and system addressing requirements dictate the level ofgranularity available to any particular section of the system. Users areable to move through data in various modes, thus moving through frameaddresses at various rates. For example, a user may desire to listen toa particular song. They may preferably enter the song number either whenrequesting the item from the compressed data library 118 and only havethat song sent to their receiving system 200 or they may preferablyselect that particular song from the items buffered in their receivingsystem 200. Internal to the system, the song is associated with astarting frame number, which was indexed by the system operator via thestorage encoding process. The system item database may containinformation records for individual frames or groups of frames. These canrepresent still frames, chapters, songs, book pages, etc. The frames area subset of, and are contained within, the items stored in thecompressed data library 118. Time encoding by time encoder 114 makesitems and subsets of items retrievable and addressable throughout thetransmission system 100. Time encoding enables subsequent compression ofthe information to be improved because data reduction processes may beperformed in the time dimension. This is described in greater detailbelow.

[0056] The transmission system 100 of the present invention alsopreferably includes data compression means for compressing the formattedand sequenced data. The sequence of addressable data blocks which wastime encoded and output by time encoder 114 is preferably sent toprecompression processor 115. The data arriving from time encoder 114may be at various frame rates and of various formats. Precompressionprocessor 115 preferably includes audio precompressor 115 a and videoprecompressor 115 b.

[0057] Video precompression processor 115 b buffers incoming video dataand converts the aspect ratio and frame rate of the data, as required bycompression processor 116. The frame buffer 131 of video precompressionprocessor 115 b holds all incoming data until the data is compressed bythe data compressor 116. The incoming video data is processed for samplerate optimization, aspect ratio fitting and buffered in buffer 130 forcompression processing by the video precompression processor 115 b.

[0058] Video precompression processor 115 b processes the incoming videodata so that it fits into the aspect ratio of the transmission andreceiving system of the present invention. When incoming material with adifferent aspect ratio than the aspect ratio of the system is selected,a chosen background is preferably placed around the inactive region ofthe video information. In this way, no data is lost to differences inthe aspect ratio between incoming material, and the converted andcompressed data stored in the transmission system 100. Images resultingfrom a different aspect ratio may have an inactive region wherebackground information is contained, or may be converted into a best fitarrangement. Output from the video precompression processor 115 b isstored in the frame buffer 131, which is dual ported and is directlyaddressable by video compressor 129.

[0059] The incoming audio data is processed for sample rate and wordlength optimization and is then buffered in buffer 130 for compressionprocessing by the audio precompression processor 115 a. Audioprecompression processor 115 a may preferably transcode incoming audioinformation, as required, to create the optimum sample rate and wordlengths for compression processing. The output of the audioprecompression processor 115 a is a constant sample rate signal of afixed word length which is buffered in frame buffer 130. The framebuffer 130 is dual ported and is. directly addressable by audiocompressor 128. Blocking the audio data into frames at audioprecompression processor 115 a makes it possible to work with the audiodata as addressable packets of information.

[0060] Once precompression processing is finished, the frames arecompressed by the data compressor 116. Compressor 116 preferablycomprises an audio data compressor 128 and a video data compressor 129.The benefits of data compression performed by data compressor 116 areshortened transmission time, faster access time, greater storagecapacity, and smaller storage space requirements. Compression processingperformed by compressors 128 and 129 requires multiple samples of datato perform optimum compression. Audio and video information ispreferably converted into blocks of data organized in groups forcompression processing by audio compressor 128 and video compressor 129,respectively. These blocks are organized as frames, and a number offrames are contained respectively in the buffers 130 and 131. Byanalyzing a series of frames it is possible to optimize the compressionprocess.

[0061] Audio data is preferably compressed by audio compressor 128 byapplication an adaptive differential pulse code modulation (ADPCM)process to the audio data. This compression process, which may beimplemented by the apt-x 100 digital audio compression system, ismanufactured by Audio Processing Technology (APT). Audio compressionratios of 8× or greater are achieved with the APT system.

[0062] Compression by compressor 116 may be performed on a group of 24video frames may preferably be passed in sequence to the frame buffer130 of the video precompression processor 115 b where they are analyzedby video compressor 129 which performs data reduction processing on thevideo data. Video compression is preferably performed by videocompressor 129. Video compression is achieved by the use of processorsrunning algorithms designed to provide the greatest amount of datacompression possible. Video data compression preferably involvesapplying two processes: a discrete cosine transform, and motioncompensation. This process is described in “A Chip Set Core of ImageCompression”, by Artieri and Colavin. Multiple frames of video data maypreferably be analyzed for patterns in the horizontal (H), vertical (V),diagonal (zigzag) and time (Z) axis. By finding repetition in the videodata, redundancy may be removed and the video data may be compressedwith a minimal loss of information.

[0063] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, the transmission system 100 may further comprise compresseddata storing means, coupled to the compression means, for storing as afile the compressed sequenced data with the unique identification codereceived from the data compression means. After compression processingby compressor 116, the compressed audio and video data is preferablyformatted and placed into a single file by the compressed data storagemeans 117. The, file may contain the compressed audio and/or video data,time markers, and the program notes. The file is addressable through theunique identification code assigned to the data by the identificationencoder 112.

[0064] Further, according to the present invention, the transmissionsystem preferably includes compressed data library means for separatelystoring composite formatted data blocks for each of the, files. Thecompressed data storage means preferably includes compressed datalibrary 118, as shown in FIG. 2b. After the data is processed into afile by the compressed data storage means 117, it is preferably storedin a compressed data library 118. In a preferred embodiment, compresseddata library 118 is a network of mass storage devices connected togethervia a high speed network. Access to any of the files stored incompressed data library 118 is available from multiple reception systems200 connected to the transmission and receiving system.

[0065] Stored items are preferably accessed in compressed data library118 through a unique address code. The unique address code is a fileaddress for uniquely identifying the compressed data items stored in thecompressed data library section of a library system. This file address,combined with the frame number, and the library system address allow forcomplete addressability of all items stored in one or more compresseddata libraries 118. Compressed data library addresses along withreceiving system addresses are used to form a completely unique addressfor distribution system control.

[0066] The unique address code is an address assigned to the item by thesystem operator during storage encoding, which is preferably done priorto long term storage in the compressed data library 118. In a preferredembodiment, the unique address code is used for requesting and accessinginformation and items throughout the transmission and receiving system.The unique address code makes access to the requested data possible.

[0067] The storage encoding process performed by encoder 112 also allowsentry of item notes and production credits. Production credits mayinclude the title, names of the creators of the item such as theproducer, director, actors, etc. Other details regarding the item whichmay be of interest and which may make the items more accessible are keptin an item database.

[0068] Item addresses are mapped to item names by identification encoder122 and may preferably be used as an alternative method of accessingitems. The item names are easier to remember, thus making user accessmore intuitive by using item names. The storage encoding entry processperformed in identification encoder 112 operates a program which updatesa master item database containing facts regarding items in thecompressed data library system. The storage encoding process may be runby the system operator whereby the system operator accesses the masteritem database to track and describe items stored in one or morecompressed data libraries. The names and other facts in the itemdatabase may preferably be updated at any time via the storage encodingprocess. Changes made to the master item database may be periodicallysent to the remote order processing and item database 300.

[0069] As described in more detail later, a user may preferably accessan item via its unique identification code, via its title, or the usermay use other known facts for accessing an item. The user may accessitems in the compressed data library 118 directly using the uniqueaddress code or the user may obtain access via the remote orderprocessing and item database 300. Indirect access via the remote orderprocessing and item database 300 is possible using, for example, asynthesized voice system, a query type of computer program interface, orcustomer assistance operators. In addition to providing interactiveaccess to the remote order processing and item database 300, a cataloglisting some or all available titles may also preferably be published.With a published catalog, users may obtain the unique address code foran item very easily thereby allowing for retrieval from the compresseddata library 118 without any help from an interactive system.

[0070] To achieve user access via an interactive system, facts about theitems may be kept in files as a part of the items or the facts may bekept separately, for example, by systems which only to inform users ofthe available items and take orders. For example, in systems which haveportions split in separate locations, the facts about the items may beseparated from the items themselves and stored in separate files. Asystem of this type can distribute user orders to other portions of thetransmission and receiving system for ultimate distribution to therequesting user. Further, to support a plurality of users, multipleversions of the item database may preferably reside either on multipledatabase servers, in catalogs, or on other computer systems.

[0071] The item database master may reside in the system controlcomputer 1123 where may be is updated and kept current to the contentsof the compressed data library 118. The data stored in the item databasemaster may be accessed by users via application programs, running on thesystem control computer 1123, and on the reception system 200 of theuser. Users may connect to the item database via any availabletelecommunication channels. Copies of, the item database master may beupdated and informed of new entries into compressed data library 118 atperiodic intervals determined by the system manager.

[0072] Other copies of the item database master may also be madeavailable to users from the remote order processing and item database300 which batch processes and downloads user requests to the controlcomputer 1123 of the compressed data library 118 via standardtelecommunications or high speed communication channels. Moreover,multiple remote order processing and item database 300 sites make itpossible for more locations to process orders than there are libraryfacilities, and thus make order processing more efficient.

[0073] Preferably, access of a requested item via the remote orderprocessing and item database 300 operates as follows. If the user doesnot know the title of the-desired item, he or she may request the itemby naming other unique facts related to the item. For example, a userwould be able to access an item about Tibetan Medicine by asking for allitems which include information about “Tibet” and include informationabout “Medicine.” The remote order processing and item database 300would then be searched for all records matching this request. If thereis more than one item with a match, each of the names of the matchingitems are preferably indicated to the user. The user then selects theitem or items that he or she desires. Upon selection and confirmation,by the user, a request for transmission of a particular item or items issent to the distribution manager program of the system control computer1123. The request contains the address of the user, the address of theitem, and optionally includes specific frame numbers, and a desiredviewing time of the item.

[0074] The storage encoding process performed by identification encoder112 also allows entry of a popularity code. The popularity code ispreferably assigned on the basis of how often the corresponding item isexpected to be requested from the compressed data library 118. Thispopularity code can be used to determine the most appropriate form ofmedia for storage of the compressed data in a mixed media system. Mixedmedia systems are preferably employed as more cost effective storage invery large compressed data libraries 118. Once assigned, the popularitycode may be dynamically updated, by factoring item usage against systemusage. Thus, stored items are dynamically moved to the most appropriatemedia over their life in the compressed data library 118. If aparticular item stored in compressed data library 118 is retrievedfrequently by users, storage in compressed data library 118 ispreferably on higher speed, more reliable, and probably more expensivemedia. Such media includes Winchester and magneto-optical disks.

[0075] If an item stored in compressed data library 118 is retrievedless frequently, it may be stored in the compressed data library 118 ona digital cassette tape. Examples of such cassette tapes are a HoneywellRSS-600 (Honeywell Inc. Minneapolis Minn.), Summus JukeBoxFilm and tapelibrary (Summus Computer Systems, Houston, Tex. 800-255-9638), orequivalent cassette tapes. All items stored in the compressed datalibrary 118 are on line and are connected to the high speed network.Thus, they may be readily accessed.

[0076] Instead of using a remote order processing and item database 300,the compressed data library 118 may include the program notes which wereinput by the system operator. The program notes may preferably includethe title of the item stored in the compressed data library 118, chapteror song titles, running times, credits, producer of the item, acting andproduction credits, etc. The program notes of an item stored in thecompressed data library 118 may be thus contained within the compresseddata file formed in the compressed data formatter 117.

[0077] In some cases, where multiple compressed data libraries 118 areorganized, the popularity code may dictate distribution of a particularitem to multiple distribution systems. In such cases, a copy of thecompressed data is sent to another library and the other library canthen distribute the compressed data to users concurrently with theoriginal compressed data library 118.

[0078] The compressed data library 118 is composed of a network ofstorage devices connected through a High Performance Parallel Interface(HPPI) Super Controller (available from Maximum Strategy Inc., San Jose,Calif.). Therefore, multiple communication controllers may preferablyaccess the large quantity of data stored in compressed data library 118at very high speeds for transfer to a reception system 200 of a userupon request. For more details on this configuration see Ohrenstein,“Supercomputers Seek High Throughput and Expandable Storage”, ComputerTechnology Review, pp. 33-39 April 1990.

[0079] The use of an HPPI controller allows file placement onto multiplemass storage devices of the compressed data library 118 with a minimumof overhead. Database management software controls the location andtracking of the compressed data library 118 which can be located acrossmultiple clusters of file servers connected together by one or more highspeed networks over multiple systems.

[0080] The transmission system 100 of the present invention may alsopreferably include library access/interface means for receivingtransmission requests to transmit items and for retrieving formatteddata blocks stored in the compressed data library 118 corresponding tothe requests from users. The compressed audio and/or video data blocks,along with any of the information about the item stored in thecompressed data library 118 may be accessed via library access interface121. The library access interface 121 receives transmission requestseither directly from the users or indirectly by remote order processingand item database 300. The transmission format means 119 receives therequest and retrieves the composite formatted data block of therequested item stored in compressed data library 118 and converts thecompressed formatted data block into a format suitable for transmission.The requested item is then sent to the user via the transmitter 122 ordirectly via interface 121.

[0081] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, customeraccess of an item stored in compressed data library 118 via the libraryaccess interface 121 may be performed in various ways. The methods ofrequesting a stored item are analogous to making am airline reservationor transferring funds between bank accounts. Just as there are differentmethods available for these processes it is desirable to have severalordering methods available to the, users of the system of the presentinvention. For example, telephone tone decoders and voice responsehardware may be employed. Additionally, operator assisted service oruser terminal interfaces may be used.

[0082] Customer access via telephone tone decoders and voice responsehardware is completely electronic and may preferably be performedbetween a system user and a computer order entry system. The user mayobtain help in ordering an item from a computer synthesized voice. Withsuch an access method, the user will normally be accessing a dynamiccatalog to assist them. Confirmation of selections and pricinginformation may preferably be given to the user prior to completion ofthe transaction.

[0083] This process of access, performed by remote order processing anditem database configuration 300, shown in FIG. 1c, preferably includesthe following steps, shown in flowchart 3000 of FIG. 3. First, the usercalls the system access number (step 3010). Upon successfully dialingthe system access number, the user receives instructions from the system(step 3020). The instructions may preferably include steps the user musttake in order to place an order. Preferably, the instructions may bebypassed by the experienced user who knows how to place an order.

[0084] The user then enters a customer ID code by which the systemaccesses the user's account, and indicates to the system that the useris a subscriber of the system (step 3030). In response to the userentering his ID code in step 3030 the system confirms whether the useris in good standing (step 3040). If the user is in good standing, thesystem queues the user to input his request (step 3050).

[0085] The user request may preferably be made from a catalog sent toeach of the subscribers of the system. The user will preferably identifyhis choice and enter the corresponding identification code of the item(step 3060). The system then preferably confirms the selection that theuser has made and informs the user of the price of the selection (step3070).

[0086] The user then indicates whether the confirmation performed instep 3070 is correct (step 3080). If the confirmation performed in step3070 is correct, the user so indicates and then inputs a desireddelivery time and delivery location (step 3090).

[0087] If the confirmation performed in step 3070 does not result in theselection desired by the user, the user re-inputs the itemidentification code in step 3060 and the confirmation steps 3070 and3080 are repeated. Therefore, proper selection of the selected item isinsured. Once there is confirmation, the user enters the playback timeand destination in step 3090.

[0088] The user then preferably confirms that the order is correct (step3100). The confirmation performed in step 3100 includes confirmation ofthe entire transaction including the selected item, the selected time ofplayback, and the location of playback. The transaction is thencompleted and the request is placed on a transmission queue at theappropriate source material library 111 (step 3110).

[0089] Access by the users via operator assisted service includestelephone operators who answer calls from the users. The operators cansign up new customers, take orders, and help with any billing problems.The operators will preferably have computer terminals which give themaccess to account information and available program information.Operators can also assist a user who does not know a title by looking upinformation stored in files which may contain the program notes, asdescribed above. Once the chosen program is identified, the operatorinforms the user of the price. After the user confirms the order, theuser indicates the desired delivery time and destination. The operatorthen enters the user request into the system. The request is placed inthe transmission queue.

[0090] Access by a user terminal interface method provides the user withaccess from various terminals including personal computers, andspecialized interfaces built into the reception system 200 of the user.Such access allows a user to do a search of available programs from acomputer screen. This process involves the steps 4000 shown in FIG. 4.

[0091]FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a preferred method of user request via auser interface of the present invention. In the preferred method of FIG.4, the user first logs onto the user terminal interface (step 4010).After the user logs on, the user may preferably select a desired item bysearching the database of available titles in the library system controlcomputer 1123 or any remote order processing and item database 300 (step4020). The search may preferably be performed using the databasecontaining the program notes, described above with respect to FIGS. 2aand 2 b. It is possible to process orders and operate a database ofavailable titles at multiple locations remote of the source materiallibrary 111. Users and order processing operators may preferably accesssuch remote systems and may place transmission requests from thesesystems. Orders placed on these systems will be processed anddistributed to the appropriate libraries. After the desired item isfound, the user selects the item for transmission at a specific time andlocation (step 4030).

[0092] To complete an order, the remote order processing and itemdatabase 300 preferably connects to the compressed data library 118 ofchoice via the library access interface 121 and communicates with thelibrary system control computer 1123. Preferably the user's account ID,identification of the item for transmission and the chosen destinationfor the item are communicated. Through employment of distributed orderprocessing systems of this type many orders may be processed withminimal library overhead.

[0093] All transmission requests from the access methods are placed intoa transmission queue managed by the library system control computer1123. This queue is managed by a program that controls the distributionof the requested items to the reception system 200 of the user. Thequeue manager program also operates in the system control computer andkeeps track of the user ID, the chosen program and price, the userchannel type, the number of requests for a given program, the latestdelivery time, and the compressed data library media type (for example,high speed or low speed). From this information, the queue managerprogram makes best use of the available distribution channels and mediafor efficient transmission and storage of the requested items.

[0094] The queue manager program also manages the file transmissionprocess for multiple requests for a single file, stored in thecompressed data library 118. During a given time period, the queuemanager program will optimize access to the compressed data library 118,wherever possible it will place the data on multiple outputs forsimultaneous transmission to more than one requesting user.

[0095] The conversion performed by transmission data converter 119encodes the data for the transmission channel. The transmission dataconverter transfers the desired segments of data from the compresseddata library 118 onto the communication channel which is used to deliverthe data to the reception system 200.

[0096] The transmission system 100 of the present invention preferablyfurther includes transmitter means 122, coupled to the compressed datalibrary 118, for sending at least a portion of a specific file to atleast one remote location. The transmission and receiving system of thepresent invention preferably operates with any available communicationchannels. Each channel type is accessed through the use of acommunications adaptor board or processor connecting the data stored inthe transmission format converter 119 to the transmission channel.

[0097] A preferred embodiment of the present invention also includesmeans by which to access users via common access lines. These mayinclude standard telephone, ISDN or B-ISDN, microwave, DBS, cabletelevision systems, MAN, high speed modems, or communication couplers.Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs) which are common carrier or privatecommunication channels are designed to link sites in a region. MANs aredescribed by Morreale and Campbell in “Metropolitan-area networks” (IEEESpectrum, May 1990 pp. 40-42). The communication lines are used totransmit the compressed data at rates up to, typically, 10 Mb/sec.

[0098] In order to serve a multitude of channel types, a preferredembodiment of the present invention includes a multitude of output portsof each type connected to one or more computers on the transmission andreceiving system. The management of transmission is then distributed.That is, the computer controlling the transmission queue tells thetransmission encoding computer its task and then the task is executed bythe transmission encoding computer, independent of the transmissionqueue computer. The transmission queue computer provides the data fortransmission by the file server which also distributes to othertransmitters located in the same or other transmission encodingcomputers.

[0099]FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a preferred method of implementing aqueue manager program of the present invention. The queue managerprogram, in the distribution process, preferably confirms availabilityof an item from the compressed data library 118 and logically connectsthe item stored in compressed data library 118 to the communicationscontroller, illustrated in FIG. 2a (step 5010). After availability isconfirmed in step 5010, the data awaits transmission by the transmitter122.

[0100] After availability is confirmed in step 5010, the communicationscontroller preferably makes the physical connection to the-receptionsystem 200 of the user (step 5020). This is normally done by dialing thereceiving device of the user. The reception system 200 preferablyanswers the incoming call and confirms the connection (step 5030).

[0101] Once connected to the reception system 200, in steps 5020 and5030, the data stored in compressed data library 118 is preferablytransferred in data blocks from the compressed data library 118 to thecommunications controller (step 5040). The data blocks are buffered bythe communications controller. The buffered data is sent down thecommunications channel to the reception system 200 by transmitter 122(step 5050).

[0102] The transmitter 122 places the formatted data onto thecommunications channel. This is an electrical conversion section and theoutput depends upon the chosen communication path. The signal is sent tothe reception system 200 in either a two way or a one way communicationprocess. In a standard telephone connection, the transmitter 122 ispreferably a modem. When using an ISDN, the transmitter 122 ispreferably a data coupler.

[0103] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, many forms ofcommunication channels may be employed. Distribution of information isby common carrier communication channels whenever possible. Thesechannels include common telephone service, ISDN and Broadband ISDN, DBScable television systems, microwave, and MAN.

[0104] In order that reception is performed efficiently, the receptionsystem 200 confirms reception of the initial data block before receivingthe remaining data blocks whenever possible (step 5060). After all datablocks have been received and reception is confirmed, the communicationscontroller breaks the physical connection to the reception system 200(step 5070). Then, confirmation of the transmission is sent to the queuemanager (step 5080). Finally, the queue manager updates the list andsends the information to the billing program, which-updates the accountof the user (step 5090).

[0105] When item distribution occurs through a broadcasting method suchas a communications satellite, the process is one way, with ongoingreception not being confirmed by the reception system 200. In thesesituations, some further redundancy is included by transmissionformatter 122 with the data blocks for error correction processing to beperformed in the reception system 200. In such one way communicationsituations, the queue manager program running in library system controlcomputer 1123 confirms reception, via telephone line connection forexample, to the reception system 200 after distribution. This shouldoccur prior to updating the user's account and the dispatch lists.

[0106] The real time output signals are output to a playback system suchas an audio amplifier and/or television. This output may also be sent toan audio/video recorder for more permanent storage. Moreover, in thepreferred embodiment only non-copy protected data can be recorded on anaudio/video recorder. Any material which is copy protected will bescrambled at the video output in a way which makes it viewable on astandard audio/video receiver but does not allow for recording of thematerial.

[0107] The reception system 200 has playback controls similar to thecontrols available on a standard audio/video recorder. These include:play, fast forward, rewind, stop, pause, and play slow. Since items arepreferably stored on random access media, the fast forward and rewindingfunctions are simulations of the actual events which occur on a standardaudio/video recorder. Frames do not tear as on an audio/video recorder,but in fast play modes they go by very quickly.

[0108] The library access interface 121 in the reception system 200preferably includes a title window where a list of available titles arealphabetically listed. This window has two modes: local listing ofmaterial contained within the library system control computer 1123, andlibrary listing for all available titles which may be received from theavailable, remotely accessible libraries. The titles listed in thiswindow are sent from the database on the library system control computer1123 or the remote order processing and item database 300.

[0109] The system may also preferably include dispatching controlsoftware which receives input from the remote order processing and itemdatabase 300 and sends distribution requests to the distributionsystems. In instances where not all items are contained in each of thecompressed data libraries 118, the dispatching software will keep a listof the available titles in a particular compressed data library 118. Thedispatch software may also preferably coordinate network traffic, sourcematerial library 111 utilization, source material library 111 contents,and connection costs. By proper factoring of these variables, efficientuse of the available distribution channels may be achieved.

[0110]FIG. 6 illustrates a block diagram of a preferred implementationof the reception system 200 according to the present invention. Thereception system 200 is responsive to user requests for informationstored in source material library 111. The reception system 200 includestransceiver 201 which receives the audio and/or video informationtransmitted by transmitter 122 of the transmission system 100. Thetransceiver 201 automatically receives the information from thetransmitter 122 as compressed formatted data blocks.

[0111] The transceiver 201 is preferably connected to receiver formatconverter 202. The receiver format converter 202 converts the compressedformatted data blocks into a format suitable for playback by the user inreal time.

[0112] In the reception system 200 of the present invention, the usermay want to play back the requested item from the source materiallibrary 111 at a time later than when initially requested. If that isthe case, the compressed formatted data blocks from receiver formatconverter 202 are stored in storage 203. Storage 203 allows fortemporary storage of the requested item until playback is requested.

[0113] When playback is requested, the compressed formatted data blocksare sent to data formatter 204. Data formatter 204 processes thecompressed formatted data blocks and distinguishes audio informationfrom video information.

[0114] The separated audio and video information are respectivelydecompressed by audio decompressor 209 and video decompressor 208. Thedecompressed video data is then sent simultaneously to digital videooutput converter 211 and analog output converter 213. The decompressedaudio data is sent simultaneously to digital audio output converter 212and analog audio output converter 214. The outputs from converters211-214 are produced in real time.

[0115] The real time output signals are output to a playback system suchas a TV or audio amplifier. They may also be sent to an audio/videorecorder of the user. By using the reception system 200 of the presentinvention, the user may utilize the stop, pause, and multiple viewingfunctions of the receiving device. Moreover, in a preferred embodimentof the present invention, the output format converters may be connectedto a recorder which enables the user to record the requested item forfuture multiple playbacks.

[0116]FIG. 7 is a flow chart 400 of a preferred method of distributionof the present invention. The distribution method is preferablyresponsive to requests identifying information to be sent from thetransmission system 100 to remote locations. Method 400 assumes that theitems have already been stored in compressed data library 118.

[0117] As illustrated in FIG. 7, the first step of the distributionmethod 400 involves retrieving the information for selected items in thesource material library 111, upon a request by a user of thedistribution system (step 412). This is analogous to taking books off ofa shelf at the local public library after the person has decided that heor she would like to read them.

[0118] After the information for the selected items is retrieved in step412, the distribution method 400 of the present invention furthercomprises the step of processing the information for efficient transfer(step 413). The processing performed in step 413 preferably includesassigning a unique identification code to the retrieved informationperformed by identification encoder 112, shown and described withrespect to FIG. 2a (step 413 a). The processing also preferably includesplacing the retrieved information into a predetermined format asformatted data by converter 113 (step 413 b), and placing the formatteddata into a sequence of addressable data blocks by ordering means 114(step 413 c).

[0119] Processing step 413 also includes compressing the formatted andsequenced data performed by data compressor 116 (step 413 d), andstoring as a file the compressed sequenced data received from the datacompression means with the unique identification assigned by theidentification encoding means (step 413 e).

[0120] After the information is processed for efficient transfer, insubsteps 413 a-e of step 413, the distribution method 400 of the presentinvention preferably includes the step of storing the processedinformation is stored in a compressed data library (step 414).Preferably, the compressed data library is analogous to compressed datalibrary 118, described with respect to FIG. 2a.

[0121] After the information is stored in a compressed data library 118,the transmission and receiving system preferably waits to receive atransmission request (step 415). Upon receiving a transmission request,from transmission system 100, the compressed formatted data ispreferably converted for output to a reception system 200, selected bythe user. The information is preferably transmitted over an existingcommunication channel to a reception system 200, and is received by thatsystem (step 417). When the information is received in step 417, it ispreferably formatted for the particular type of reception system 200 towhich the information is sent.

[0122] The received information is preferably buffered (step 418) bystorage means analogous to element 203 shown in FIG. 3. The informationis preferably buffered so that it may be stored by the user for possiblefuture viewings. The requested information is then payed back to thereception system 200 of the user at the time requested by the user (step419).

[0123]FIGS. 8a-8 e are block diagrams of preferred implementations ofdata structures and data blocking for items in the audio and videodistribution system. FIG. 8a shows the block structure of video datawhere a video frame 812 is composed of a plurality of video samples 811,and a second of video 813 is composed of a plurality of video frames812.

[0124]FIG. 8b shows the block structure of audio data where an audiodata frame 822 is composed of a plurality of audio samples 821, and asecond of audio 823 is composed of a plurality of audio data frames 822.FIG. 8c shows the block structure of a data frame 832 composed of aplurality of data bytes 831. The combination of the audio frames 812,video frames 822, and data frames 832 comprise the elements of a singleitem. FIG. 8d shows block representation of for three illustrative itemswhich may be stored in the source material library 111. Each of items1-3 contains its own arrangement of video frames 812, audio frames 822,and data frames 832.

[0125]FIG. 8e shows methods of distribution to reception systems 200with both multiplexed and non-multiplexed signal paths, both addressedand non-addressed blocks of items. A block of an item may be an entireitem or, alternatively, may be only a portion of an item, as selected bya user. Further, the blocks may be may be composed of either compressed,partially compressed, or fully decompressed data, as required by theconfiguration of the reception system 200.

[0126] As shown in FIG. 8e, the same block, for example, block 1, may besimultaneously transmitted over different distribution channels. Theblocks when transmitted over one of the distribution channels may havereceiver addresses appended to the blocks or the reception system 200may have been preconfigured to receive the blocks comprising data framesfor particular items from the active distribution channel.

[0127] Other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to thoseskilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practiceof the invention disclosed herein. It is intended that the specificationand examples be considered as exemplary only, with the true scope andspirit of the invention being indicated by the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A transmission system for providing information to remote locations, the transmission system comprising: library means for storing items; identification encoding means for retrieving the information for the items from the library means and for assigning a unique identification code to the retrieved information; conversion means, coupled to the identification encoding means, for placing the retrieved information into a predetermined format as formatted data; ordering means, coupled to the conversion means, for placing the formatted data into a sequence of addressable data blocks; compression means, coupled to the ordering means, for compressing the formatted and sequenced data; compressed data storing means, coupled to the data compression means, for storing as a file the compressed, sequenced data received from the data compression means with the unique identification code assigned by the identification encoding means; and transmitter means, coupled to the compressed data storing means, for sending at least a portion of a file to one of the remote locations.
 2. A transmission system as recited in claim 1, wherein the transmitter means includes: transmission format means for placing the composite formatted data block onto a communication path.
 3. A transmission system as recited in claim 1, wherein the information in the items includes analog signals, and wherein the conversion means further comprises: converting means, coupled to the identification encoding means, for A/D converting the analog data of the retrieved information into a series of digital data bytes; and formatting means, coupled to the converting means, for converting the digital data bytes into formatted data with a redetermined format.
 4. A transmission system as recited in claim 1, wherein the information in the items includes digital signals, and wherein the conversion means further comprises: digital input receiver means, coupled to the identification encoding means, for converting the digital data of the retrieved information into predetermined voltage levels; and formatting means, coupled to the digital input receiver means, for converting the predetermined voltage levels into formatted data with a predetermined format.
 5. A transmission system as recited in claim 3, wherein the information in the items includes digital signals, and wherein the conversion means further comprises: digital input receiver means, coupled to the identification encoding means, for converting the digital data of the retrieved information into predetermined voltage levels; and formatting means, coupled to the digital input receiver means, for converting the predetermined voltage levels into formatted data with the predetermined format.
 6. A transmission system as recited in claim 2, wherein the compressed data storing means further comprises: compressed data library means for separately storing composite formatted data blocks for each of the files converted and stored.
 7. A transmission system as recited in claim 6, further comprising: system control interface means, coupled to the transmission format means, for generating a visual listing of available items; and library access interface means, coupled to the transmission format means, for receiving transmission requests to transmit items, and for retrieving formatted data blocks stored in the compressed data library means corresponding to the requests from subscribers.
 8. A transmission system as recited in claim 1, further comprising: precompression data processing means, coupled-to the ordering means, for storing the formatted data.
 9. A transmission system as recited in claim 1, wherein the information in the items includes analog audio information, and wherein the conversion means further comprises: audio converting means, coupled to the identification encoding means, for converting the analog audio signals into streams of digital audio data.
 10. A transmission system as recited in one of claims 1 and 9, wherein the information in the items includes analog video information, and wherein the conversion means further comprises: video converting means, coupled to the identification encoding means, for converting the analog video signals into streams of digital video data.
 11. A transmission system as recited in one of claims 1 and 9, wherein the information in the items includes partly encoded information, and wherein the conversion means further comprises: digital input means, coupled to the identification encoding means, for receiving partial encoded information in the items.
 12. A transmission system as recited in claim 1, wherein the data compression means comprises: means for performing a multi-dimensional analysis of the formatted data for inclusion in a predetermined algorithm; and compression processors for running the predetermined algorithm and for compressing the formatted data.
 13. A transmission system as recited in claim 1, wherein the compression means comprises: means for identifying repeating patterns in the formatted data for inclusion in a predetermined algorithm; and compression processors for running the predetermined algorithm and for compressing the formatted data.
 14. A transmission system as recited in claim 12, wherein the multi-dimensional analysis means includes means for performing the multi-dimensional analysis in the horizontal dimension.
 15. A transmission system as recited in claim 12, wherein the multi-dimensional analysis means includes means for performing the multi-dimensional analysis in the vertical dimension.
 16. A transmission system as recited in claim 12, wherein the multi-dimensional analysis means includes means for performing the multi-dimensional analysis in the time dimension.
 17. A transmission system as recited in claim 12, wherein the multi-dimensional analysis means includes means for performing the multi-dimensional analysis in the zig-zag dimension.
 18. A distribution method responsive to requests identifying information to be sent from a transmission system to remote locations, the method comprising the steps of: storing audio and video information in a compressed data form; requesting transmission, by a user, of at least a part of, the stored compressed data to a remote location selected by the user; sending at least a portion of the stored compressed information to the remote location; receiving the sent information at the remote location; buffering the received information at the remote location; and playing back the buffered information in real time at a time requested by the user.
 19. The distribution method as recited in claim 18, wherein the information in the items includes analog and digital signals, and wherein the step of processing further comprises the steps of: converting analog signals of the information to digital components; formatting the digital data signals of the information; ordering the converted analog data and the formatted digital data in a predetermined sequence and; compressing the ordered information.
 20. The method of claim 18 wherein the step of storing the items includes the substep of storing the items in a plurality of compressed picture and sound information.
 21. The method of claim 18 further comprising the steps of: storing a list of items available to the user from at least one compressed data library; and providing the user with the list so that the user may remotely select a particular item for transmission.
 22. A receiving system responsive to a user input identifying a choice of an item stored in a source material library to be played back to the subscriber at a location remote from the source material library, the item containing information to be sent from a transmitter to the receiving system, the receiving system comprising: transceiver means, for automatically receiving the requested information from the transmitter as compressed formatted data blocks; receiver format conversion means, coupled to the transceiver means, for converting the compressed formatted data blocks into a format suitable for storage and processing for playback in real time; storage means, coupled to the receiver format conversion means, for storing the compressed formatted data; decompressing means, coupled to the receiver format conversion means, for decompressing the compressed formatted information; and output data conversion means, coupled to the decompressing means, for playing back the decompressed information in real time at a time specified by the user.
 23. A receiving system as recited in claim 22, further comprising: user interface means for translating the input into a request for sending the requested information from the transmitter to the receiving system.
 24. A receiving system as recited in claim 22, wherein the output data conversion means includes recording means which controls the playback.
 25. A receiving system as recited in claim 22, wherein the storage means stores the formatted information until playback is requested by an operator.
 26. A receiving system as recited in claim 22, wherein the decompression means further comprises: video signal decompression means for decompressing video information contained in the compressed formatted information.
 27. A receiving system as recited in claim 26, wherein the output data conversion means further comprises: digital video output means, connected to the video signal decompression means, for outputting a digital video signal contained in the video information; and analog video output means, connected to the video signal recompression means, for outputting an analog video signal contained in the video information.
 28. A receiving system as recited in claim 27, wherein the video output means further comprises: copy protection means for preventing copying by the user of protected information.
 29. A receiving system as recited in claim 22, wherein the decompression means further comprises: audio signal decompression means for decompressing audio information contained in the compressed formatted information.
 30. A receiving system as recited in claim 29, wherein the output data conversion means further comprises: digital audio output means, connected to the audio signal decompression means, for outputting a digital audio signal contained in the audio information; and analog audio output means, connected to the audio signal decompression means, for outputting an analog audio signal contained in the audio information.
 31. A receiving system as recited in claim 22, wherein the decompression means further comprises: video signal decompression means for decompressing video information contained in the compressed formatted information; and audio signal decompression means for decompressing audio information contained in the compressed formatted information.
 32. A receiving system as recited in claim 22, wherein the transceiver means receives the information via any one of telephone, ISDN, broadband ISDN, satellite, common carrier, computer channels, cable television systems, MAN, and microwave. 